Notes: "So What?" How the return of Christ should affect us in day-to-day living.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC.
November 6, 2014
So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.
Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.
Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.
The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.
Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.
Pastor's job is to help us do our job.
Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to try and go rescue each other.
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.
We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.
What if every Christian was just like you?
Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.
In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.
Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....
The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.
Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.
Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.
Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis.
The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.
Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.
Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.
It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.
Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.
Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.
Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.
Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.
We all have time, talent and treasure.
Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.
Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.
Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.
Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.
God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.
God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.
It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.
We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.
We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.
Jesus Christ was God with skin on.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!
We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.
God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.
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Thursday, November 6, 2014
Sunday, November 2, 2014
What Jesus Taught About Prayer, Part 2
Notes: What Jesus Taught About Prayer, Part 2
Harvest OC
November 2, 2014
Pastor Greg’s Sunday morning
Matthew 6
We have been looking at the life and times of Jesus Christ in the 4 Gospels.
Greg is talking about being at the mall with a fountain with his granddaughters. He was talking about their wishes. One of his granddaughter said that a wish is a request of ourselves and a prayer is a request to God.
It was said that life without prayer is not a life with God.
He is talking about. How the "Lords Prayer" is
Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV
[9] In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. …
It is a model for us to pray. It is hard for many to get their minds around God being our Heavenly Father.
John 8:19 NKJV
[19] Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
God gave us an image of Him by sending Jesus Christ to us. Jesus Christ acted as God will treat us.
Jesus Christ portrays God the Father as an older man willing to lose his dignity for his son.
Running by an older man in those days was very undignified. But the father of the prodigal son, runs to greet his son.
A.C.T.S.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
Hallowed be Your Name- Hallowed means to "set apart"
It was said that to set Gods name to being Hallowed is to live as a devout Christian.
1. You should be able to say at any time "come Lord Jesus Christ" if you hope to wait you need to get right with the Lord quick.
2. It is a personal request
3. This is a request for the unsaved to know the Lord.
Isaiah 53:12 NKJV
[12] Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
He prayed to "forgive them" over and over. Stephan prayed for the people killing him at the time he was being martyred.
He is talking about the Garden Jesus Christ was in knowing that he was about to be betrayed.
Luke 22:42 NKJV
[42] saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
We must never be concerned about our unknown future in the hands of our known God
Greg is talking about the life of Job and Joseph. They didn't seem to make sense, but these were dramas unfolding in Heaven that they were a part of.
I would rather be in a storm with Jesus Christ then anywhere else without them.
Greg is talking about talking to a family before service that had just lost a child.
He said they won't give over it but they will get through it.
Matthew 6:11 NKJV
[11] Give us this day our daily bread.
He said in the first century they referenced all food as bread.
James 1:17 NKJV
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
[18] "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
James 4:2 NKJV
[2] You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
Nothing is too big or small for God. We are required to ask for it. He supplies your needs not your greeds.
Matthew 6:12 NKJV
[12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
2. We need to forgive those that sin against us as we need to ask them to forgive us.
The template teaches us to ask for forgiveness on a regular basis.
Forgiven people should be forgiving people.
Hebrews 12:15 NKJV
[15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Bitter people can't seem to keep it to themselves.
Greg is talking about the Hatfield and McCoy fued and all the murders that came out of it,
Bitter people have been proven by doctors that it physically ails you. Forgiveness is for the person forgiving not the forgiven.
God has forgiven you, so don't let it stay with you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
When you give into temptation there is always a way out! Sometimes the way out is as simple as a door.
Pray about it and bring it into the clear light of the Lord.
If you can't pray about it and can't ask the Lord to bless it, then you shouldn't be doing it.
Greg says this is part of the reason that he is so against the legalization of marijuana. It will not be blessed by the Lord.
The devil is not stupid he knows how to package his stuff.
Sin will take you further then you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay.
The Lord's Prayer is not just a template for prayer but also for living as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
When Heaven Comes to Earth
Notes: When Heaven Comes to Earth
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:Essentials
Thursday, October 30, 2014 — 7:00 p.m
Harvest OC
Revelation 21 is where we will be studying tonight studying tonight.
Greg is talking about the expression "heaven on earth." How we have all used it. He says that one day there will literally be Heaven on earth.
God still has a plan for planet earth, one day God will restore this planet.
Acts 3:21 NKJV
[21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
God is into restoration.
Ephesians 1:10 NKJV
[10] that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
It was said we won't go to Heaven to leave earth behind, God will demolish the wall between Heaven and earth. This is not something new, it is something that will be done again. It is a re-make.
Revelation 21:1-6 NKJV
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." [6] And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
Looking at verse 5: Revelation 21:5 NKJV
[5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
All bad things will be gone! No more ills, killing, disaster. All things will be new.
Greg is talking about being fans, like Apple fans, or a new television season, or a new car. We all like the new versions if certain things. God likes new.
In the rapture we go up, in the second coming we come down to earth with God.
Ten things missing
No more sin, tears, death, mourning, pain, thirst, wickedness, no more night, no more closed gates, no more curse.
As far as God is concerned, this is a done deal. He is in the Eternal Realm, God lives in the future as we think of the past.
Greg is talking about the end times, he thinks the next event will be the rapture, the anti-Christ will come next, then peace, then a new Temple, then wars, then the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:52-58 NKJV
[52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
For us when we die, we go straight to Heaven, our souls will be in Heaven. After the Rapture, we will get our glorified bodies.
Greg is talking about the Millennium, and how we will rule over the mortals that will be here.
He is talking about the judgement and the Great White Judgement after.
2 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
He is talking about Heaven and Earth coming together.
After the millennial reign of Christ we enter into eternal timelessness - everything is now forever.
He says that is a very big thought for most of us to get our minds around.
He is talking about how it says the ocean will be gone. He is saying that sounds bad to surfers, but he knows that God will always replace what he takes with something better.
We will all be with all of the men and women of all times, for all eternity and we will be there with the Lord.
We will see God and that will be the lens in which we see everything else.
God has let some people no Him before Heaven, like Moses. He will then be letting all of His people dwell with Him.
Like when Adam would walk with the Lord in the Garden of Eden.
Greg is talking about when people would live if they got to chose, Greg says he would of lived when Jesus Christ was on Earth.
Revelation 21:2 NKJV
[2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Greg is talking about how Jerusalem is a city of our past, present and future.
It is the only country, Israel, to have had its people go away and then come back after 100s of years of time.
The new Jerusalem will keep us all busy.
Revelation 7:15 NKJV
[15] Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Greg is talking about how the broken bodies of people will be transformed.
We need to stop thinking about the here and now. We need to focus on Heaven.
Death for the believer is no the end, but just a continuation some where else.
Greg was asking, will there be tears in Heaven. he says the Bible says there will be.
He is saying when we get to Heaven we will have a spiritual perspective, not a spiritual lobotomy.
Greg is talking about how there is death and sadness on earth. How sometimes less is more when you deal with someone that is suffering.
One day pain and suffering will be gone.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Greg says when you know God, your wants and desires change. If those things haven't changed, then do you really know Christ.
He is saying that Heaven is not the default destination of everyone. It is for every believer though.
Revelation 21:8 NKJV
[8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Abominable means to be wholly caught up in wickedness. The sexually immoral.
The only place God will bless sex is in a loving marriage between a man and a woman.
Greg is saying all the funny things he hears by couples that live together.
He is now talking about sorcerers and how this is talking about drugs.
Greg said he believes that the legalization of marijuana is a huge mistake.
Greg is saying now, that you take Jesus Christ as He is.
1. This helps us to keep perspective during times of trial.
Romans 8:18 NKJV
[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2. It helps us to be truly heavenly minded and to live Godly lives.
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. It motivates us to want to take as many people as possible with us
Greg says if we really believe these things, shouldn't we want to tell people about Heaven?
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:Essentials
Thursday, October 30, 2014 — 7:00 p.m
Harvest OC
Revelation 21 is where we will be studying tonight studying tonight.
Greg is talking about the expression "heaven on earth." How we have all used it. He says that one day there will literally be Heaven on earth.
God still has a plan for planet earth, one day God will restore this planet.
Acts 3:21 NKJV
[21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
God is into restoration.
Ephesians 1:10 NKJV
[10] that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
It was said we won't go to Heaven to leave earth behind, God will demolish the wall between Heaven and earth. This is not something new, it is something that will be done again. It is a re-make.
Revelation 21:1-6 NKJV
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." [6] And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
Looking at verse 5: Revelation 21:5 NKJV
[5] Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
All bad things will be gone! No more ills, killing, disaster. All things will be new.
Greg is talking about being fans, like Apple fans, or a new television season, or a new car. We all like the new versions if certain things. God likes new.
In the rapture we go up, in the second coming we come down to earth with God.
Ten things missing
No more sin, tears, death, mourning, pain, thirst, wickedness, no more night, no more closed gates, no more curse.
As far as God is concerned, this is a done deal. He is in the Eternal Realm, God lives in the future as we think of the past.
Greg is talking about the end times, he thinks the next event will be the rapture, the anti-Christ will come next, then peace, then a new Temple, then wars, then the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:52-58 NKJV
[52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." [55] "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" [56] The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
For us when we die, we go straight to Heaven, our souls will be in Heaven. After the Rapture, we will get our glorified bodies.
Greg is talking about the Millennium, and how we will rule over the mortals that will be here.
He is talking about the judgement and the Great White Judgement after.
2 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
He is talking about Heaven and Earth coming together.
After the millennial reign of Christ we enter into eternal timelessness - everything is now forever.
He says that is a very big thought for most of us to get our minds around.
He is talking about how it says the ocean will be gone. He is saying that sounds bad to surfers, but he knows that God will always replace what he takes with something better.
We will all be with all of the men and women of all times, for all eternity and we will be there with the Lord.
We will see God and that will be the lens in which we see everything else.
God has let some people no Him before Heaven, like Moses. He will then be letting all of His people dwell with Him.
Like when Adam would walk with the Lord in the Garden of Eden.
Greg is talking about when people would live if they got to chose, Greg says he would of lived when Jesus Christ was on Earth.
Revelation 21:2 NKJV
[2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Greg is talking about how Jerusalem is a city of our past, present and future.
It is the only country, Israel, to have had its people go away and then come back after 100s of years of time.
The new Jerusalem will keep us all busy.
Revelation 7:15 NKJV
[15] Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Greg is talking about how the broken bodies of people will be transformed.
We need to stop thinking about the here and now. We need to focus on Heaven.
Death for the believer is no the end, but just a continuation some where else.
Greg was asking, will there be tears in Heaven. he says the Bible says there will be.
He is saying when we get to Heaven we will have a spiritual perspective, not a spiritual lobotomy.
Greg is talking about how there is death and sadness on earth. How sometimes less is more when you deal with someone that is suffering.
One day pain and suffering will be gone.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Greg says when you know God, your wants and desires change. If those things haven't changed, then do you really know Christ.
He is saying that Heaven is not the default destination of everyone. It is for every believer though.
Revelation 21:8 NKJV
[8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Abominable means to be wholly caught up in wickedness. The sexually immoral.
The only place God will bless sex is in a loving marriage between a man and a woman.
Greg is saying all the funny things he hears by couples that live together.
He is now talking about sorcerers and how this is talking about drugs.
Greg said he believes that the legalization of marijuana is a huge mistake.
Greg is saying now, that you take Jesus Christ as He is.
1. This helps us to keep perspective during times of trial.
Romans 8:18 NKJV
[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2. It helps us to be truly heavenly minded and to live Godly lives.
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. It motivates us to want to take as many people as possible with us
Greg says if we really believe these things, shouldn't we want to tell people about Heaven?
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Armed and Dangerous with the Holy Spirit
Notes: Valor - Armed and Dangerous
October 28, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
John Collins
Acts 4
John is talking about going out with a buddy buying a real fast boat and then taking that boat out on the water, it was called Armed and Dangerous.
He is talking about how the first century Christians were like that boat. They were explosive with faith. We get to witness the original Jesus Christ Movement in Acts.
Acts 4:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, [2] being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. [4] However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
The church is exploding with believers.
1. The Danger of Sound Doctrine
The secret to church growth is preaching the whole accurate description of Jesus Christ.
Many people have a hard time with sound doctrine.
It was said all wrong behavior stems from all wrong belief in God.
These believers taught who Jesus Christ was and verified it with the Old Testament scriptures.
Isaiah 9:2-7 NKJV
[2] The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. [5] For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. [6] For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
People had a hard time believing this. Yet disciples stayed true to the message of the truth of the resurrection.
In 1998 there was a study that many Protestants did not believe in the Virgin Birth of married.
John says is there any doubt of why churches are failing..
Acts 4:5-7 NKJV
[5] And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, [6] as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"
2. The Danger of Religion
These men were asking who's power were they acting under. They were implying that they didn't have authority. These men had been making themselves powerful under the Roman rulers. From a religious perspective they were acting in their duties, but it was in politics that they derived their power.
Karl Marx said that religion is the opiate of the masses.
Religion is not a walk with God. It as actions, you need a relationship with God.
Religion can blind you from the relationship that you are seeking.
It was said by someone, they wanted three dollars of God. They wanted ecstasy not transformation. He doesn't want a living breathing God he wants a plastic one that he can put in the corner.
Religion is a toy replica of the real Jesus Christ and that is what these leaders were like in the first century.
A living vibrant faith is not an exercise in religion, it is a relationship.
Acts 4:8-14 NKJV
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: [9] If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, [10] let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. [11] This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' [12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. [14] And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
3. The Danger of Truth
These leaders were not looking for truth, they were avoiding the consequences of the truth.
That would mean they would need to be converted. Jesus Christ was crucified by these men.
The more these men had tried to quench the story of Jesus Christ the more it spread.
They were in the midst of a political storm.
You can do many things but you can not divert from the truth.
John was talking about the mayor in Texas wanting to subpoena pastors to see if their messages spread hate towards homosexuals. He said men can do many things but we must protect the truth that God had written.
John 1:14 NKJV
[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Acts 4:15-22 NKJV
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." [18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
4. The Danger of Compromise
You can not compromise in the Word of Jesus Christ.
Men that did not compromise in their faith have had a great impact on the world.
He is speaking about Martin Luther how he would not recant anything that he had written because he would not follow anything that contradicted the scriptures of the Bible.
Peter always leaned on scripture for his authority. The devil can do miracles, so it is scripture we must turn to.
Acts 4:23-31 NKJV
[23] And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [25] who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? [26] The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' [27] "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
5. The Danger of Asking God to Fill You with the Holy Spirit
There is power in the Holy Spirit. Its what gives us the boldness and the authority to spread the word of Jesus Christ.
It was said, do not pray for easy lives, pray for the strength to face life.
We need to ask the Lord to fill us with the power to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
The best defense against this corrupt world is to be bold in the Holy Spirit.
We are all called to do the work and to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
October 28, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
John Collins
Acts 4
John is talking about going out with a buddy buying a real fast boat and then taking that boat out on the water, it was called Armed and Dangerous.
He is talking about how the first century Christians were like that boat. They were explosive with faith. We get to witness the original Jesus Christ Movement in Acts.
Acts 4:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, [2] being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. [4] However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
The church is exploding with believers.
1. The Danger of Sound Doctrine
The secret to church growth is preaching the whole accurate description of Jesus Christ.
Many people have a hard time with sound doctrine.
It was said all wrong behavior stems from all wrong belief in God.
These believers taught who Jesus Christ was and verified it with the Old Testament scriptures.
Isaiah 9:2-7 NKJV
[2] The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. [5] For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. [6] For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
People had a hard time believing this. Yet disciples stayed true to the message of the truth of the resurrection.
In 1998 there was a study that many Protestants did not believe in the Virgin Birth of married.
John says is there any doubt of why churches are failing..
Acts 4:5-7 NKJV
[5] And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, [6] as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"
2. The Danger of Religion
These men were asking who's power were they acting under. They were implying that they didn't have authority. These men had been making themselves powerful under the Roman rulers. From a religious perspective they were acting in their duties, but it was in politics that they derived their power.
Karl Marx said that religion is the opiate of the masses.
Religion is not a walk with God. It as actions, you need a relationship with God.
Religion can blind you from the relationship that you are seeking.
It was said by someone, they wanted three dollars of God. They wanted ecstasy not transformation. He doesn't want a living breathing God he wants a plastic one that he can put in the corner.
Religion is a toy replica of the real Jesus Christ and that is what these leaders were like in the first century.
A living vibrant faith is not an exercise in religion, it is a relationship.
Acts 4:8-14 NKJV
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: [9] If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, [10] let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. [11] This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' [12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. [14] And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
3. The Danger of Truth
These leaders were not looking for truth, they were avoiding the consequences of the truth.
That would mean they would need to be converted. Jesus Christ was crucified by these men.
The more these men had tried to quench the story of Jesus Christ the more it spread.
They were in the midst of a political storm.
You can do many things but you can not divert from the truth.
John was talking about the mayor in Texas wanting to subpoena pastors to see if their messages spread hate towards homosexuals. He said men can do many things but we must protect the truth that God had written.
John 1:14 NKJV
[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Acts 4:15-22 NKJV
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." [18] So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." [21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [22] For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
4. The Danger of Compromise
You can not compromise in the Word of Jesus Christ.
Men that did not compromise in their faith have had a great impact on the world.
He is speaking about Martin Luther how he would not recant anything that he had written because he would not follow anything that contradicted the scriptures of the Bible.
Peter always leaned on scripture for his authority. The devil can do miracles, so it is scripture we must turn to.
Acts 4:23-31 NKJV
[23] And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [25] who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? [26] The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.' [27] "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. [29] Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, [30] by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
5. The Danger of Asking God to Fill You with the Holy Spirit
There is power in the Holy Spirit. Its what gives us the boldness and the authority to spread the word of Jesus Christ.
It was said, do not pray for easy lives, pray for the strength to face life.
We need to ask the Lord to fill us with the power to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
The best defense against this corrupt world is to be bold in the Holy Spirit.
We are all called to do the work and to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Great God
Notes: Great God
Psalm 139
Guest SPEAKER:Pastor James Merritt
Sunday, October 26, 2014 — 10:00
http://bit.ly/1yUQjGd
In today's message, guest pastor Dr. James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Georgia, speaks on the greatness of God and His love for us.
Greg introduced James as one of the best Gospel teachers today. He says James is very quotable.
James came out to speak and said Greg is one of the best pastors in America. He said Greg stands by the Word of God.
James is talking about trying to figure out what he was going to preach today. He said he prayed with his son about what to preach. Lord spoke to James that he should talk about God.
He is showing us a picture of a blue whale and how big it is. He then showed us how big Mt Everest is, then the earth, then the sun, then a giant star, the the Milky Way, then the universe. He says the universe is filled with billions of Galaxy.
Psalm 33:6 NKJV
[6] By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
God is great.
It was said that what we think about God is the most important thing about us.
Do you have a big God, or do you think bad things about God?
Too many of us have little faith in a little God. We need to have great faith in a great God.
Psalm 139:1-4 NKJV
[1] O LORD, You have searched me and known me. [2] You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. [3] You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
The greatest knowledge we can have is knowledge of just how great our God is.
1. God is omniscient, He know me.
He knows everything about everything all the time.
1 John 3:20 NKJV
[20] For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
God doesn't just know about you, God knows you.
Psalm 139:1 NKJV
[1] O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
He sees right through us. There is nothing we can hide. He knows you from the bottom of your own heart.
If you think you are a nobody and unknown. God knows you and He loves you.
Psalm 139:2 NKJV
[2] You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
God can read your mind easier than you can read email. You can't keep a secret from God.
Psalm 139:3 NKJV
[3] You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
God knows it all, His eyes are on you. He knows you better than we say St. Claus knows our kids.
Proverbs 15:3 NKJV
[3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
2. God is busy watching everyone.
Psalm 139:4 NKJV
[4] For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
He knows what you say and what you are going to say before you say it.
Psalm 139:5-6 NKJV
[5] You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
Gods mind blows my mind. He knows you, yet he still loves me.
Psalm 139:7 NKJV
[7] Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
You can't hide from Him.
Psalm 139:8-9 NKJV
[8] If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Psalm 104:3 NKJV
[3] He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind,
You are always as close to God as your u can be.
Psalm 139:10-12 NKJV
[10] Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me; [12] Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
We can appreciate that there is no difference between light and dark to God.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 NKJV
[23] "Am I a God near at hand," says the LORD, "And not a God afar off? [24] Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the LORD; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the LORD.
One thing you can not leave behind is God. You may be lonely but you are not alone,
3. God is Omnipotent
God can't do things that are contradictory to Himself.
David looked at the human body to prove God existed.
Psalm 139:13 NKJV
[13] For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
One person said the human body is a statistical monstrosity.
Psalm 139:15-16 NKJV
[15] My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
In Hebrew, intricately woven, is a beautiful phrase. Describing the wonderful work that God has done and it is a miracle that the human body is what it is.
Psalm 139:14 NKJV
[14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Your body contains 30 trillion cells. If you were to catalogue the information in just one cell, it would take 40,000 books.
Psalm 139:17 NKJV
[17] How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:18 NKJV
[18] If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
King David is saying that he can't even get his mind around the mind of God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
[8] "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. [9] "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
When God said that to Isaiah, He is saying that His thoughts are so high above a humans mind, it is not possible to comprehend. To put that in science terms, His thoughts are about 12.3 Billion light years above ours.
What does all this mean to us? If God is really this great God, then what problem do we have that God can not solve.
God is so great, you can not only trust him on earth but for all eternity.
Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV
[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; [24] And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
King David wrote this understanding that God sees all of his faults, lust, greed, envy. King David may have been thinking how can God love me as I am.
God came to us as a human being through Jesus, to excuse us of all of our sins.
He didn't do any of those great things through our technology.
We serve a God that is a being so great that the universe can not contain Him, yet He is so loving that He will live right in our hearts with us.
Sent from my iPad
Psalm 139
Guest SPEAKER:Pastor James Merritt
Sunday, October 26, 2014 — 10:00
http://bit.ly/1yUQjGd
In today's message, guest pastor Dr. James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Georgia, speaks on the greatness of God and His love for us.
Greg introduced James as one of the best Gospel teachers today. He says James is very quotable.
James came out to speak and said Greg is one of the best pastors in America. He said Greg stands by the Word of God.
James is talking about trying to figure out what he was going to preach today. He said he prayed with his son about what to preach. Lord spoke to James that he should talk about God.
He is showing us a picture of a blue whale and how big it is. He then showed us how big Mt Everest is, then the earth, then the sun, then a giant star, the the Milky Way, then the universe. He says the universe is filled with billions of Galaxy.
Psalm 33:6 NKJV
[6] By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
God is great.
It was said that what we think about God is the most important thing about us.
Do you have a big God, or do you think bad things about God?
Too many of us have little faith in a little God. We need to have great faith in a great God.
Psalm 139:1-4 NKJV
[1] O LORD, You have searched me and known me. [2] You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. [3] You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
The greatest knowledge we can have is knowledge of just how great our God is.
1. God is omniscient, He know me.
He knows everything about everything all the time.
1 John 3:20 NKJV
[20] For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
God doesn't just know about you, God knows you.
Psalm 139:1 NKJV
[1] O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
He sees right through us. There is nothing we can hide. He knows you from the bottom of your own heart.
If you think you are a nobody and unknown. God knows you and He loves you.
Psalm 139:2 NKJV
[2] You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
God can read your mind easier than you can read email. You can't keep a secret from God.
Psalm 139:3 NKJV
[3] You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
God knows it all, His eyes are on you. He knows you better than we say St. Claus knows our kids.
Proverbs 15:3 NKJV
[3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
2. God is busy watching everyone.
Psalm 139:4 NKJV
[4] For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
He knows what you say and what you are going to say before you say it.
Psalm 139:5-6 NKJV
[5] You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
Gods mind blows my mind. He knows you, yet he still loves me.
Psalm 139:7 NKJV
[7] Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
You can't hide from Him.
Psalm 139:8-9 NKJV
[8] If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Psalm 104:3 NKJV
[3] He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind,
You are always as close to God as your u can be.
Psalm 139:10-12 NKJV
[10] Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me; [12] Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
We can appreciate that there is no difference between light and dark to God.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 NKJV
[23] "Am I a God near at hand," says the LORD, "And not a God afar off? [24] Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the LORD; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the LORD.
One thing you can not leave behind is God. You may be lonely but you are not alone,
3. God is Omnipotent
God can't do things that are contradictory to Himself.
David looked at the human body to prove God existed.
Psalm 139:13 NKJV
[13] For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
One person said the human body is a statistical monstrosity.
Psalm 139:15-16 NKJV
[15] My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
In Hebrew, intricately woven, is a beautiful phrase. Describing the wonderful work that God has done and it is a miracle that the human body is what it is.
Psalm 139:14 NKJV
[14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Your body contains 30 trillion cells. If you were to catalogue the information in just one cell, it would take 40,000 books.
Psalm 139:17 NKJV
[17] How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:18 NKJV
[18] If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
King David is saying that he can't even get his mind around the mind of God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
[8] "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. [9] "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
When God said that to Isaiah, He is saying that His thoughts are so high above a humans mind, it is not possible to comprehend. To put that in science terms, His thoughts are about 12.3 Billion light years above ours.
What does all this mean to us? If God is really this great God, then what problem do we have that God can not solve.
God is so great, you can not only trust him on earth but for all eternity.
Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV
[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; [24] And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
King David wrote this understanding that God sees all of his faults, lust, greed, envy. King David may have been thinking how can God love me as I am.
God came to us as a human being through Jesus, to excuse us of all of our sins.
He didn't do any of those great things through our technology.
We serve a God that is a being so great that the universe can not contain Him, yet He is so loving that He will live right in our hearts with us.
Sent from my iPad
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